Gilbert approves Saint Xavier University Development

The Gilbert Town Council approved a development agreement on Thursday, Nov. 7 that will allow for the construction of Saint Xavier University’s (SXU) 87,000- square-foot satellite campus in the downtown Heritage District of Gilbert, Arizona.

The proposed four-story building will provide students premier access to state-of-the-art technology, smart classrooms, nursing labs and student lounges, as well as gathering and study space. In addition, Gilbert plans to construct a 300-car parking facility located just east of the SXU Gilbert campus.

“It has always been part of our economic development plan to have a faith-based university located in downtown Gilbert. We are thrilled to welcome Saint Xavier University, Chicago’s oldest Catholic University,” said Gilbert Mayor John Lewis. “It’s very important that we can offer our residents opportunities to obtain advanced degrees in a number of academic disciplines within this environment.”

SXU’s Gilbert campus initially plans to offer undergraduate degree completion, adult degree completion and graduate degree programs in the academic disciplines of: Liberal Arts, Business and Nursing. Meeting the lifelong learning needs of a diverse student population has always been an essential component of the Saint Xavier mission. Pending approval by the Arizona accrediting agencies and the Higher Learning Commission, as well as endorsement by Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, classes could begin as early as Spring 2015.

“We are honored to be part of the growing legacy of Gilbert and the State of Arizona, and we are pleased to share our own 168-year legacy of rigorous, values-based higher education,” said president Christine M. Wiseman, J.D. “We look forward to building partnerships within the Gilbert community, creating a collaborative learning environment, and working with motivated students from all walks of life.”

“As we finalize our plans for the Gilbert campus, a Senate-endorsed faculty task force will engage the academic and mission-based issues in order to continue guiding this development,” adds Paul DeVito, Ph.D., provost of Saint Xavier University.

Gilbert approves Saint Xavier University Development was last modified: November 8th, 2013 by AZ Business Magazine

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